Comparison of the modified Poisson–Boltzmann theory with recent density functional theory and simulation results in the planar electric double layer

Abstract

A comparative study is made of the modified Poisson–Boltzmann results with those of some recent density functional theory and Monte-Carlo results, for the structure and thermodynamics of the planar electric double layer. The results for the diffuse layer potential drop, the wall–ion distribution functions, and the mean electrostatic potential indicate a remarkable degree of consistency in the predictive properties of the two theories. These predictions are also in very close agreement with a new generation of corresponding machine simulation results. Some modified Poisson–Boltzmann results for imaging are also presented.